Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I am a little confused and possibly people in the arts are also confused because many plans are produced. Partnership for the Arts was the second plan of the Arts Council — the first plan it tried to produce was rejected by a former Minister. Partnership for the Arts was accepted and this year the previous Minister produced an arts and culture plan for 2008. He also introduced an arts and culture business plan for 2008.

What aspects of the Partnership for the Arts plan were not acceptable to the Minister? What changes is he trying to bring about in terms of policy? There must be some confusion about the mixed messages coming from the Department among those funded by the Arts Council. The touring experiment was lauded in the business plan and the previous Minister stated he was supportive of it. However, it received no funding beyond the initial commitment. It was quite clear that if it was to continue, a serious increase in funding would be necessary. Has the Minister formed a view about which plan will be implemented? Is there a meeting of minds between him and the Arts Council?

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